In 1677, English Particular Baptists published what would become known as the Second London Baptist Confession of Faith, setting forth with remarkable clarity their understanding of the great doctrines of Scripture. Twelve years later, in 1689, Baptist churches were able to publicly own and affirm that confession together.

In 2027, 350 years after its first publication, pastors will gather for The Faith We Confess: 350 Years of the Second London Baptist Confession of Faith. This conference is not simply an opportunity to commemorate an important moment in Baptist history. It is an opportunity to consider again the biblical truths these men confessed and to ask what it means for pastors and churches to believe, preach, defend, and live those same truths faithfully in our own generation.

Over the course of five days, we will work through all 32 chapters of the Confession—from the Holy Scriptures and the doctrine of God to covenant, Christ, justification, sanctification, worship, marriage, the church, the ordinances, resurrection, and final judgment. The aim will be distinctly pastoral. These doctrines were never intended merely for the classroom or the theologian’s study. They shape the pulpit, the worship of the church, the shepherding of souls, the ordering of families, the training of the next generation, and the church’s faithfulness in the world.

Men will open the Scriptures and consider the continuing importance of this historic confession for the life and ministry of the church.

Church and Family Life, together with Covenant Baptist Theological Seminary, Christ the King Church, and Grace Bible Theological Seminary, is bringing pastors together for a week of preaching, fellowship, prayer, and serious theological reflection. Our desire is not merely that men leave knowing the 1689 better, but that they know the Scriptures better, love Christ more deeply, preach the whole counsel of God more clearly, and return to their churches strengthened for the work God has given them.

Three hundred and fifty years have passed since these truths were first put into print, but the Word of God has not changed. By God’s grace, we are still confessing the faith once for all delivered to the saints.